Pont du Diable

Pont du Diable in Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez, in the Loire department, is a small but strikingly picturesque bridge that has spanned the river La Mare for centuries, right where the waterway flows out of the Monts du Forez. Worth noting straight away: this is not the same bridge as the well-known "Pont du Diable" in the Hérault department (the famous crossing over a steep gorge) or the one in Céret in the Pyrénées-Orientales — "Pont du Diable" is a name given to many 13th- and 14th-century bridges across France, and Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez has its own, entirely separate one.

Where exactly is the bridge and what is it called?

Locally the bridge is known as the Pont de Vérines, also called Pont Peyrard — like many similar structures in France, it only later picked up the popular nickname "Pont du Diable." It sits on the edge of Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez, at the point where the river La Mare, a torrent-fed mountain stream, emerges from the Monts du Forez onto the plain below.

What does it look like, and how old is it?

The bridge is tall and narrow, with the distinctive humped, ridgeback profile typical of old packhorse bridges — its roadway rises in an arc over two spans, giving the whole structure a soaring, almost gothic silhouette. It dates from the 14th century and ranks among the best-preserved bridges in the Forez region. Since 1921 it has been listed as a monument historique, confirming its exceptional architectural and historical value.

What is its history?

The bridge is already mentioned in a 14th-century charter of the county of Forez, where it is referred to as "pont nouveau" — the new bridge — suggesting it replaced an earlier crossing on the same spot. For centuries it served as an important stop on a trade route: it is believed that mule trains once carried lime quarried at Sury-le-Comtal across it, heading toward the Velay region. That trade traffic likely explains why the bridge was built so solidly, despite its narrow, steep profile — it had to withstand the regular passage of loaded pack animals.

Why is it worth a visit?

Pont du Diable is an excellent stop for anyone exploring the Forez region and the eastern part of the Loire department. The bridge lies along walking routes that follow the valley of the river La Mare, offering views of both the structure itself and the landscape at the foot of the mountains. It appeals to travelers looking for authentic, lesser-known heritage sites — free of crowds, but full of the genuine charm of seven-century-old regional engineering. It pairs well with a visit to Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez itself and the surrounding villages of the Forez area, known for their well-preserved medieval heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pont du Diable in Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez the same as the famous bridge in Hérault? No. It is an entirely different structure — the name "Pont du Diable" is used for many bridges across France, and this one in Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez, locally known as Pont de Vérines, is an independent heritage site in the Loire department.

How old is the bridge? It dates from the 14th century and is mentioned in a charter of the county of Forez from that period as "pont nouveau."

Can visitors walk to the bridge on their own? Yes, the bridge stands in open countryside on the edge of the town and is accessible on foot, including as a stop along local hiking trails that follow the river La Mare.

Why is it called "Pont du Diable" (Devil's Bridge)? As with many similar 13th- and 14th-century bridges across France, the popular name reflects the bridge's impressively bold construction for its era — a tall, narrow arch that must have seemed, to earlier generations, beyond what human hands alone could build.